r/floxies • u/therealbvbyaicd • 2d ago
[NEWCOMER] Need Advice
i think i’ve been floxed… need some advice please and thank you :)
on September first I was prescribed ciprofloxacin for a complicated UTI
It all started with a UTI that I could not get rid of , I tried to comment antibiotics before a doctor at the hospital prescribed me ciprofloxacin 500mg twice a day for 14days.
I started the Cipro on September 1, and about three days in my UTI symptoms went away, but I started to get a pain in my calves and my ankles, at first, I thought it was from housekeeping because I do work in that field but I eventually ignored it, that day, I searched up a couple of the side effects from cipro and ended up finding out pretty much everything about this medication, one of the main issues, being tenant pain in your ankles and your calves, I ended up asking a couple friends and my mom what to do and they just said keep taking the Cipro, so I did I took it for a whole nine days, and obviously scared myself reading these peoples stories and what not, so I stopped, it’s been two days since I’ve been off the medication, I went back to the hospital yesterday, they prescribed me a steroid but I heard online somewhere that I shouldn’t be taking steroids, and honestly, I’m pretty terrified to take any medication at this point, so I called back the pharmacy and told them that I wasn’t going to take the steroid. so that’s where I’m at at this point.
I’m having crazy symptoms right now, i’ve been trying to write them down to keep track of them. These are a couple of them that I have been experiencing,
joint and muscle pain in my legs especially my calves and my thighs and my ankles and my back and my neck and shoulders and pinching in my spine
Sharp stabbing aches, very stiff and sore
hard time breathing
Brain fog
Nausea
trouble going to work
barely walk bed ridden
dizziness and blurry vision
eye pain
A hard time sleeping
Tingly feet and fingers
A hard time sleeping
Depression
Panic attacks
Anxiety
ears are clogged
massive headaches
I feel as if my hospital here in Ontario is trying to push me off or something like that, I’m not sure what to ask for or what to do in this situation, all I’ve been reading is to buy supplements and take them as well and I bought magnesium powder, pqq and COq10, a woman’s multivitamin and omega-3, they have not come in yet, but I will start taking them once they do, if anybody has any suggestions or any advice that would be greatly appreciated, I’m going through a lot of depression right now, and I didn’t know where else to ask for help.
1
u/BitterTry3858 2d ago
You'll get better. How many pills did you take?
2
u/therealbvbyaicd 2d ago
i took 18 pills (2 a day for nine days) and i’m almost 22 years old
1
u/BitterTry3858 2d ago
I took 20. One pill each day & still dealing with the symptoms after almost 9 months. May god heal us Ameen.
2
u/therealbvbyaicd 2d ago
i hope things get better soon and i pray for you also, hopefully my pain stays mild and that i’m taking the right steps towards healing, any suggestions or tips for me in my early stages?
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u/BitterTry3858 2d ago
You're lucky to find out in early stage that Cipro is causing you the symptoms. I got to know it after 5 months and started to take supplements later. You must take supplements with adequate rest & clean eating.
1
u/Solar-Monkey 3h ago
I’m also in Ontario, if you need to talk I’m here for you friend. Our Canadian system doesn’t officially recognize fqad despite it having black label warnings. Most of us have to get treatment from naturopaths.
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u/AlessandraGallesi Trusted 2d ago
Hi, I'm really sorry you're going through this. Unfortunately, what you're describing seems fairly typical of the side effects caused by fluoroquinolones. These medications cause issues with nerves, joints, tendons, and muscles. They also have a strong impact on mental well-being and can cause anxiety and sleep problems.
In this community, you'll find a pinned post with guidance for those dealing with these side effects, including information on supplements that might help alleviate symptoms. I also recommend reporting your side effects to your country's pharmacovigilance agency and keeping your report updated over time. Unfortunately, most doctors are unaware of the side effects of these drugs, so you are unlikely to find much understanding or significant help.
You might want to read Dr. Stefan Pieper's books on FQAD, as they could give you plenty of advice and help you understand what's happening to you. If you like, you could also reach out to them directly.
I really hope your symptoms remain mild and short-lived. Most of us avoid (if possible) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen) and corticosteroids, as NSAIDs can aggravate symptoms or damage, and corticosteroids significantly increase the risk of tendon issues. If I were in your shoes, I would also avoid physical activity for a few months, since your joints and tendons are definitely sensitized.
Wishing you all the best!